While struggling to hang on to the remnants of her marriage to Simon, Ellis Spencer Garrett is faced with her son's anger and Simon's latest betrayal. Weakened by repeated traumas in her life, Ellis draws within herself to escape the pain. She is admitted into Silver Leaf Institute of Mental Health where Dr. Patrick Dole has a strong desire to reach her and bring her back. Having reached the pinnacle of his career and a new life almost within his grasp, Simon Garrett must deal with the restraints caused by his catatonic wife and her aunt, Agnes Spencer. Agnes is strong and unrelenting, and she finds ways to keep Simon cornered in her quest to protect her niece. Success, women, and a lack of control find Simon spiraling toward his own doom, and he reaches out to the only woman who ever loved him. Is it too late? Dr. Patrick Dole is raising his daughter, Jamie, alone after the murder of his wife. As the time comes for the condemned man to be executed, Patrick and Jamie struggle with feelings of loss and justice, and each facing a strong need that only one woman can fulfill.